GoTenna is a portable mobile network antenna that allows cellular phones to send text messages and receive phone calls even without any network service. The device was created to aid communication during cellular signal downtimes, such a power outage or a disaster. If the local mobile service provider in your area is down, you can still send text messages right from your phone through the use of GoTenna.

Steps

Part 1

Setting Up GoTenna

1

Purchase GoTenna. GoTenna sells for $149.99 a pair (for now)—good for use on two devices. Currently, you can only purchase GoTenna online from its official website. If you plan on using it on multiple devices, they also offer a Family Pack consisting of 4 GoTenna.

2

Turn on the GoTenna. Pull the extendable antenna (the black end) of the device to switch it on and enable it. The LED status indicator on the middle of the device will light up, notifying that it’s switched on.

3

Enable your smartphone’s Bluetooth. Go to your smartphone’s device settings and set its Bluetooth feature to “On.” A list of nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices will show up on the screen of your smartphone.

4

Connect your phone and GoTenna. Select “GoTenna” from the list of nearby Bluetooth devices on the screen of your phone to begin connecting. Your smartphone will pair with the GoTenna, allowing constant Bluetooth connectivity between the two at all times. Once pairing is complete, a notification will appear on your phone’s screen, and you can now start using it.

5

Set up the other device. GoTenna is a closed system, meaning you can only use GoTenna to send text messages, when there is no service, to other GoTenna users only. Since GoTenna comes in pairs, just connect via Bluetooth the other phone you’re planning to send text messages to.

You can skip this step if the phone you’re trying to send the text message to is already using GoTenna.

Part 2

Sending Texts Without Service

1

Open your phone’s messaging app. Tap “Messages” from the application screen of your smartphone to open its messaging application.

2

Compose a text message. Begin typing the text message you want to send, and choose the number of the other phone you want to send it to.

3

Send the text message. Press the “Send” button to send the text message to the other phone. GoTenna will then send long-range radio waves to the GoTenna of the phone you sent the text message to, delivering it even without a network service. GoTenna will then send the message to the phone it’s connected to, via Bluetooth, for the receiving person to read.

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